HONOLULU — Recent crashes and serious injuries on Oʻahu serve as sobering reminders that many traffic collisions share common factors and, in many cases, are preventable.

As roadway activity increases during the Summer Safety Surge, often referred to nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days” between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) reminds motorists that safe driving requires shared responsibility and conscious decision-making.

To date, Oʻahu has recorded 19 traffic fatalities in 2026, compared with 33 fatalities at the same time last year. While the decrease is encouraging, HPD cautions that progress does not mean complacency.

“The recent crashes we have seen serve as sobering reminders that many serious crashes share common factors and, in many cases, are preventable,” said Acting Deputy Chief Brandon Nakasato. “While traffic fatalities are down compared with this time last year, progress does not mean complacency. Every decision behind the wheel matters, and by slowing down, eliminating distractions, and making responsible choices, we can help protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Recent traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes have highlighted the heightened risks faced by vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, kūpuna, motorcyclists, bicyclists, e-bicyclists, and individuals with mobility limitations.

Common factors contributing to serious crashes include:

• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Reckless driving

“Behind every crash statistic is a person, a family, and often a long road to recovery,” said Honolulu EMS Acting Chief of Operations Kenneth Faria. “Serious crashes affect people of all ages, from infants to kūpuna, and many of the injuries our crews encounter are severe and life-altering. That’s why every drive deserves our full attention and why prevention remains one of the most powerful tools we have.”

Through its Safer Roads, Together initiative, HPD continues to combine enforcement, education, and community outreach to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across Oʻahu. The department has expanded its grassroots efforts in priority districts and continues to engage communities through neighborhood boards, outreach events, and public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting vulnerable road users.

HPD reminds all roadway users to slow down, stay alert, eliminate distractions, and make responsible choices behind the wheel.

Traffic tragedies are not inevitable. Many are preventable.

Learn more at: www.honolulupd.org/safer-roads-together